Earthquake, August 14, 2021
Les Cayes, Haiti
Psalms 6:3 “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?”
Many of us have been watching the footage of the earthquake that hit Southern Haiti on Saturday morning. We saw the leveled buildings and watched as children were pulled out from under the rubble. Along with our Haitian brothers and sisters, we lament in shock and disbelief at yet another tragedy for Haiti to endure.
As I searched for initial reports, the first map I saw made my heart sink—the earthquake had hit directly where Haiti H2O works and where our partners and staff live. My mind began to race. How are Jeanne and Paul, Lucner, Lenord and all their families? And then the remote villages, are the buildings toppling down? “Lord, please have mercy and provide and protect each of our partners and their families.”
A house that collapsed in Lenord’s neighborhood.
I first reached Jules, who was in Port au Prince, though he shared that half of his father’s house in Aquin (near Les Cayes) had collapsed. Thankfully, his father and nephew made it out safely. Then I heard from Lenord—he was safe and so was his family. Lenord began to send photos of the many buildings that had fallen near his home.
We then got word that Lucner was okay, but we still had not heard from Jeanne or Paul Touloute. It wasn’t until after 9pm that I got a message from Jeanne. I was so relieved to hear that they were okay (“Thank you, Lord”)! Paul had only suffered a broken foot. Both Jeanne and Lenord reported that things were really bad in Les Cayes—the hospitals in Les Cayes were overrun as well as damaged by the quake and there were many injured and dead. Because of continuing aftershocks, the patients were being seen outside for everyone’s safety.
Pastor Paul is waiting for surgery on his foot
Jules then shared that he reached Pastor Voltaire in Meloniere and that he and his family were safe, even though their home was “completely flat to the ground.” More offerings of thanks that their lives had been spared. Jules also spoke with Toto, who reported that Pastor Celande and his family are okay. Sunday evening I finally heard from Pastor Pharyl in Plain Matin. He and his family are safe, though he reports at least 8 in his community have died and there is much damage to the church and his home.
This morning we finally heard from partners in St. Martin—they report that there are cracks in the church/school building and some homes, but nothing too bad. We continue to wait for more information from Les Cayes and the many translators that live there.
And the tremors continue—Pastor Pharyl shared that they are all sleeping “under the stars,” because it’s safer with strong aftershocks continuing to rock the area (many registering over 5 on Richter scale).
Building damage in Les Cayes
We covet your prayers as this situation continues to unfold:
Pray for our partners in Les Cayes and in the more remote communities—for continued safety and that they would have what they need in the midst of so much chaos and suffering.
Pray for Dr. Sony and the other medical providers for strength to care for the many people in need of medical attention.
Pray for the people who are suffering, injured, or still trapped under rubble—that they would receive help.
Pray for the countryside to be spared further destruction from any rain and wind from the storm that is anticipated to hit on Monday.
Join us in gratitude for the safety of staff and partners that we’ve connected with so far.
Many of you have been asking how you can help—thank you! Our mission model begins with listening, so Jeanne and Jules are trying to connect with each community and learn what their immediate needs are. Based on initial reports, we are preparing for extensive damage in these remote communities. We will be sharing what they tell us as soon as possible. Right now they are just in shock and trying to regroup.
We are exploring ways to work with groups that can deliver food and medical help to the southern region without having to travel dangerous roads. We’ve been working with Missionary Flights International this past year and they are hoping to offer their plane to deliver goods directly to Les Cayes from Port au Prince. We are also exploring other resources to make sure our partners receive needed supplies.
But, the bulk of the work will come over the next year or two as we assess the damages and seek to repair them, along with addressing any sustainability concerns for this island that is prone to many natural disasters. Please consider donating now to help address the many immediate and longer-term medical, food, and infrastructure needs that our community partners have.
Thank you for your concern, your support and your prayers for rural Haiti.
Mesi e Bondye beni ou
(Thank you and God bless you),
Rhonda and the Haiti H2O Staff